Christopher Pyne admits Anthony Albanese is 'his only friend'

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne’s portfolio includes overseeing the manufacture of ships built from steel, but he showed a less steely side on the TODAY show this morning, admitting Labor MP Anthony Albanese is his only friend.

The pair were on TODAY for their regular segment for the final time this year when they were asked to say “one nice thing” about each other in the spirit of Christmas.

"I like Anthony because he’s authentic and genuine… and I liked his book," Mr Pyne said. "Because it mentioned me."

The Labor transport spokesman jumped at the compliment, adding in his book "he [Pyne] said I was his only friend in the Labor party".

"He is my only friend, not just in the Labor party. Probably my only friend at all," Mr Pyne admitted.

The pair continued their ribbing of one another, with Mr Pyne asking the retail price of Mr Albanese’s book, Albanese: Telling it Straight.

After learning it sells for $34.95, Mr Pyne quipped: "that’s not bad. My book was a little cheaper, $32.50 actually… it’s still available."

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The pair appeared to enjoy the chance to say something nice about one another, with Mr Pyne thanking Mr Albanese for labelling him "good company".

"That’s a nice thing to say," Mr Pyne said.

"I’m nice! I’m the nice one of this pair!" Mr Albanese retorted.

The friendly exchange followed the federal government’s heated battle to get the backpacker tax through the Senate, with a 15 percent tax finally passed yesterday in exchange for concessions from the government.

"We’ll do a deal with anybody to get things done. That’s what Australians expect," Mr Pyne said.

He also conceded money was being spent on Landcare because "who doesn’t like Landcare".

"In the (mid-year budget review) it will be offset, so it’s a great outcome."

Mr Albanese criticised the $155 million deal at a time when the government laments there is a fiscal crisis.

"We knew that Malcolm Turnbull has a big ego, and we now know what it costs – 155 million dollars," he said.

With parliament set to fast-track new security measures after two days of protests, Mr Albanese said the proposed 2.6 metre fence around Parliament house was "because the coalition is rolling down the hill as they roll over".

"It’s to keep Albo out," Mr Pyne interjected.

The proposal was endorsed by the Senate with the opposition’s support yesterday, and work is slated to begin over summer.